| abstract |
Disclosed is a unitary or single-ply fibrous web having a laminate-like structure which consists of a soft, absorbent central core region of relatively low fiber concentration sandwiched between two strong, abrasion-resistant surface regions of higher fiber concentration. The surface regions have bonding material, preferably elastomeric, disposed within to provide strength to the web. The more concentrated fibers in the surface region provide better capillary action to draw moisture into the web. The relatively low fiber concentration within the central core region provides space to increase the amount of moisture absorbable by the web. Within the central core region are networks of fibers connecting the two surface regions together generally without the use of bonding material extending entirely through the web. The bonding material in at least one surface region is disposed in a fine, spaced-apart pattern, and the bonded portions in that surface region are finely creped to soften them. The method of the invention consists of forming a fibrous web, preferably of randomly oriented short fibers, applying to the first side of the web first bonding material which penetrates from about 10 to about 60 percent through the thickness of the finished web product, applying to the second side of the web second bonding material in a fine, spaced-apart pattern which penetrates from about 10 to about 60 percent through the thickness of the finished web product and which does not substantially connect with the first bonding material, adhering the web in a pattern to a creping surface with the second bonding material, and creping the web from the creping surface. The preferred form of the invention consists of applying bonding material in a fine, spaced-apart pattern to one side of the web, pattern adhering that side of the web to the creping surface with the bonding material, and creping the web from the creping surface, and then repeating those steps to the other side of the web. |